A real buzz surrounding the 23rd Annual Holsworthy Dairy Evening created one the best evening sales with a packed attendance. This year saw a much larger entry with over 50 Freshly Calved Cows and Heifers pass through the ring. 2016 has been a difficult year for dairy farmers and the dairy cow trade but with the milk price eventually and gradually improving, the atmosphere at this special evening sale was very positive with a large number of buyers present.

The majority of trade stands moved under cover for the first time this year and combined with a larger number positioned around the judging ring, the pre and post-sale atmosphere was fantastic. This was no doubt helped by the sponsors and trade stands providing an amazing selection of food, drink and “giveaways” on the night, much to the appreciation of the large attendance.

The crowd watching the pre-sale judging was the largest ever seen with great interest displayed in how the Judge Mr John Cann of Highampton would place the dairy cattle. Following the three individual classes the judge brought the top placed 6 animals back into the judging ring for a final time and tapped out the Overall Champion to an outstanding heifer “Steventon Alexander Canter 3” consigned by regular vendor Mr Martin Webber of Drewsteignton, Exeter. Reserve Champion went to another heifer “Hoops Judy 154 GP84” from the renowned “Hoops” herd of Guy Ley and family of Sutcombe with this heifer also claiming the Robin Brimacombe cup for the Best Homebred Heifer. The Champion heifer went on to top the sale selling at £2,500 with the Reserve Champion also breaking the £2000 mark and both selling to the judge who backed his decision in the judging ring. Third place heifer was awarded to Messrs GG & GM Jenkin of Helston with homebred heifer “Mabec Wyman Rapture” selling at £1700 to Mr John Elliott, Holsworthy.

The cow class was won by “Rockset Colt Bridget” a Polled and Red Carrier 2nd Calver from the Hugo family of the renowned “Rockset” prefix of Bodmin, Cornwall and also claimed the Best Homebred Cow Cup and sold at £1750 to Mr Colin Larkworthy of Langtree. The second placed Cow saw the Ley Family of the “Hoops” herd continue their successful evening with “Hoops Veririty 276 VG85” who also claimed the acknowledgment of the best overall udder in the Show and went onto sell at £1950 to Mr Michael Chugg of Barnstaple. The third place cow went to Graham and Judith Quance of Shebbear with 2nd calver “Wootton Merchandise Norma GP84” and sold at £1700 to Mr John Thomas of J & S Farms, Penzance

The new combined Coloured and Crossbred class saw a strong entry with first prize being awarded to the Red and White Cow “Rockset Savage Renita Red GP84” of the Hugo family from Bodmin and with this super pedigree she topped the section at £1950 selling to Mr John Gardener of Bridgerule. A very smart Pedigree Ayrshire “Sharptor Velvet Elma 8” from Messrs DW and SE Turner of Torrington sold at £1550 to Messrs AC & DC Walters of North Hill. Third place was taken by a Holstein cross jersey ”Filleigh Wyman Tansy” selling at £1480 to Mr John Thomas of J & S Farms, Penzance.

Other notable prices achieved included a super entry of cattle from Messrs RA & SA Reed of Cullompton who saw their consignment top at £1800 for a pedigree Holstein heifer “Allerways Janet 65. Mr and Mrs A Sanders of GE Sexon and Sons of Filleigh saw a great consignment of pure and crossbred cattle top at £1700 and average £1529.

The Overall highest points gained in the show and sale was awarded to Guy and Stuart Ley and family of the “Hoops” herd of Sutcombe.

*Our sincere thanks to the sponsors, vendors and purchasers for making this evening such a successful and enjoyable night*